Amsterdam is one of the canal cities of Europe, and the Canal Belt that encloses its historic center holds countless architectural treasures. Monumental canal houses, once inhabited by superbly wealthy merchants, traders and other well-to-do families, rise majestically over their narrow streets - and a few have even been converted into museums. Take the opportunity to explore the interiors of these Amsterdam landmarks at one of these canal house museums.
Museum Geelvinck Hinlopen Huis
Photo © 2006 T. Tichelaar
The resplendent canal-side mansion of Albert Geelvinck, a trader with the Dutch East and West India Companies, dates from the 17th century, but centuries of redecoration have endowed it with later Rococo, Classicist and Romanticist touches. Chamber concerts are held every Sunday (€ 15; reservations required), where musicians often perform on period instruments for a real feel of the past.
Museum van Loon
The descendents of Willem van Loon, co-founder of Dutch East India Company, still own the Museum van Loon, but live elsewhere since the patrician canal mansion was opened to the public in 1973. The elaborate interiors feature Old Master canvases and other priceless artifacts, but the museum doesn't shy from modern art, either, which is also found on its walls and in its temporary exhibitions.
Huis Marseille
Not into stuffy mansions with period furniture, but still curious to see the inside of a lavish canal house? Check out the Huis Marseille, the Netherlands' first photography museum, set inside a former French merchant's residence. Here you can alternate between a stellar permanent collection, provocative temporary exhibitions, and of course, 18th-century interior flourishes.
Museum Willet-Holthuysen
Photo © 2008 David van der Mark
Abraham Willet was neither merchant nor trader, but a physician and avid art collector who cast his net more widely than other 19th century collectors. Upon her death, his wife Louisa Willet-Holthuysen donated both mansion and art collection to the city of Amsterdam. The pristine Louis XVI decor and diverse fine and applied art collection combine for a top-notch museum.
